November 2025

(published November 11, 2025)

All 4-H Club and Countywide Project Leaders, 4-H Event/Activity Chairpersons or Organizers: Contribute to the articles posted monthly by completing a short form and uploading your article or photos using link: Newsletter article submission form 

NOTE: Articles for the current monthly newsletter, must be submitting by 2 pm. on the Monday before. Newsletter is published on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Any photos submitted with youth, must be identified for photo release.

As we begin a new 4-H year, I can already feel the energy and excitement building across Ozaukee County! Our clubs are buzzing with new ideas, fresh goals, and the incredible spirit of youth leadership that makes this program so special.

It’s inspiring to see returning members stepping up in new ways—from youth officers planning engaging meetings to project leaders creating opportunities that stretch skills and spark creativity. 

And to our newest families and volunteers, welcome! You’re joining a community that celebrates learning by doing, supports one another like family, and believes that every young person has something unique to contribute.

This year is full of potential. Whether you’re trying a new project, mentoring younger members, or helping behind the scenes to make events run smoothly, your dedication is what makes 4-H thrive. Together, we’re building experiences that help youth grow as confident leaders, caring citizens, and lifelong learners.

Here’s to another amazing year of growth, connection, and discovery—let’s make it one to remember!

- Thanks, Abi, 4-H Educator - Ozaukee County 4-H 

We extend warm wishes to you and your families for a Happy Thanksgiving! During this season of thanks, we send a thank-you to all our 4-H families and 4-H volunteers! 

Please note the Extension office will be closed November 27 & 28 in observance of the holiday.

In addition, as we near the December holiday season, please note that office hours will vary. A reminder to call the office for an appointment so we can properly assist you and have materials sourced and ready for pick-up. Business at the Office tips.

We’re thrilled to introduce two new countywide 4-H projects this year—Photography and Adventure! (and more to come!)

The Photography Project gives youth the chance to explore their creativity behind the camera, learning about composition, lighting, and visual storytelling. Members will have opportunities to share their work, connect with others who enjoy photography, and showcase their skills through county events and the fair.

The Adventure Project is all about discovery and outdoor experiences. From hiking and teamwork challenges to learning outdoor skills, this project encourages youth to build confidence, leadership, and a sense of connection with nature.

If your child is interested in joining either project at the countywide level, please contact your General Leader. They’ll help connect you with the project leader, who can share details about upcoming meetings and activities.

We can’t wait to see youth capture moments and create memories through these exciting new opportunities! Thank you to the adult volunteers who are making our new countywide projects happen!

As we approach the winter season, we're providing a review of the inclement weather guidelines. The decision to cancel a planned 4-H activity due to inclement weather should be based on the safety and welfare of the 4-H members, families, and volunteers. Be prepared to modify or cancel programming as needed due to inclement weather.

If cancellations are made, the project/club/activity leader needs to inform their participants of the cancellation.

If schools or other area activities are being canceled due to inclement weather, contact the club and/or project members and cancel the meeting.

Project/club/activity leaders may contact the Extension staff during posted office hours to send out a broadcast email through 4HOnline or post the cancellation on the Ozaukee 4-H Facebook page.

Make cancellation decisions based on the following forecasted weather outcomes:

You are invited to attend the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association meeting on November 20 from 7:30-9:00 pm at TJ Middle School Library in Port Washington.

The Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association members encompass Ozaukee County 4-H members, volunteers, leaders, and families. We work together to expand and enrich the 4-H experience in the Ozaukee County 4-H Program. Together, we plan countywide 4-H activities, events, and fundraisers.

Leaders Association Board will submit a meeting agenda that will be posted on the Leaders & Volunteers page of the website once submitted.

We look forward to seeing you at the November meeting!

This fall, 4-H youth ages 13 and older will have the opportunity to share their voices through the annual Wisconsin 4-H Thriving Survey. The survey helps us understand how 4-H experiences are helping youth grow in areas like belonging, leadership, and confidence.

Results from this survey guide our local and statewide efforts—helping us strengthen programs, support volunteers, and ensure every young person feels valued and engaged.

Keep an eye on your email for your invitation to participate! Your feedback helps shape the future of 4-H in Ozaukee County and across Wisconsin.

The survey link will be open until December 5.  Youth who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift card. 

For more information on the 4-H Thriving Model, please visit 4-H Thriving Model – Wisconsin 4-H

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

American Spirit Experience Application Open: November 30. Reminder to youth in grades 8-10: Application for the American Spirit Experience is open in 4HOnline through November 30th. Important… a completed application does not guarantee participation. For more information, trip details, dates, application & registration, and more, please visit the 2026 American Spirit webpage.

Fairgrounds Reservations-Digital Form. Reminder that 4-H leaders must submit this Google Form to reserve the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds space for upcoming events. Once you’ve submitted the form, county staff will review it and either approve your requested date(s) or, if unavailable, propose alternatives.

Adults must be approved volunteers to be actively leading projects or working with 4-H youth. If you are not a current approved volunteer this year, you can not serve in your 4-H volunteer role. Questions about your enrollment or status? Log into your 4HOnline account to check status OR call the Extension office at 262-284-8288.

The Haunt committee would like to sincerely thank everyone that was a part of planning, building, staffing and tearing down. This great community event truly could not happen without each and every person. You are all appreciated! Special thanks to all the youth that helped with the build and tear down. Gift cards were earned by several of the youth as thanks for their help.

Total numbers are still being tabulated but will be available in December or January. 

The committee will be scheduling a meeting early next year to discuss the future of this event. If you feel you can offer any time, even if it is a small amount, please let us know. As always, many hands make light work, and we can promise it is fun work!

Watch for more details to come. Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

- Submitted by Haunt Co-Coordinators: Katie Noetzel, Rose Paulus, Sue Dowe

Ozaukee County 4-H members joined youth from Fond du Lac and Washington County 4-H programs for the 2025 Science Expedition at UW–Madison, spending the day immersed in discovery, curiosity, and hands-on learning across some of the university’s leading research spaces.

Youth explored cell research at the Morgridge Institute for Research, learning about culturing stem cells and directed differentiation—seeing firsthand how scientists work to understand and treat diseases. At the UW Biotechnology Center, they uncovered the science behind cheese making through an experiment with chymosin, connecting Wisconsin’s dairy heritage to modern biotechnology. The UW Chemistry Department offered an engaging look at solar energy, challenging youth to think critically about renewable resources and the chemistry powering sustainable solutions. They also visited the Wisconsin Energy Institute, where they investigated climate change and biofuels, and the State Climatology Office, where they explored “Toying with Tornadoes” to better understand extreme weather.

Throughout the day, participants practiced teamwork, curiosity, and problem-solving, core 4-H skills that connect directly to future STEM careers. Many shared that the experience helped them imagine themselves on a college campus, see new career possibilities, and gain confidence in exploring science in new ways, while others realized that a STEM career, or at least the ones we learned about, were not for them!

A huge thank-you to our UW–Madison partners and adult volunteers who made this event possible. The 2025 Science Expedition showcased how curiosity fuels opportunity, and how 4-H youth are leading the way in discovery and innovation.

It was a wonderful evening with Adult Leaders on October 23! Ozaukee County 4-H adult volunteers gathered for a training focused on 4-H’s mission of youth empowerment through the club, project and county level. 

The training explained statewide 4-H policy updates, the new project guide, and practical ways to strengthen youth-adult partnerships using the 4-H Thriving Model. Leaders shared ideas and their experiences for creating space for youth voice, coaching and partnering versus directing, and connecting the activities to our larger purpose as an organization. 

Through discussion and activities, volunteers reflected on how 4-H continues to evolve. Together we are building programs that are consistent, inclusive and centered on helping youth grow as confident, capable leaders in our community. 

Thank you to all who joined and continue to watch your emails as more resources are rolled out to continue the learning!

The Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for 2026! Scholarships are available to active 4-H members who are high school seniors or within one year of graduation.

Applicants must have at least five years of 4-H membership, have met annual achievement requirements, and have not previously received an Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Scholarship.

Applications are due February 1, 2026. (must be postmarked by that date)

The application is available online at link: Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Scholarships 

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

Get Ready to Bowl for a Great Cause! Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 1, 2026, at Circle B Bowling in Cedarburg.

The Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation invites you to join one or both of our fun fundraising events benefiting Ozaukee County 4-H youth.

Bowl-a-Thon Info:

Adults-Only "9-Pin Tap" Tournament

What It Matters?

Funds raised help the Foundation support youth development, leadership, project work, and college scholarships across Ozaukee County. Every lane filled and every donation made helps strengthen our 4-H community and build a brighter future for our youth.

Let’s roll into February with fun, friends, and 4-H spirit!

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

Reminder that the online 4-H calendar is the best way to stay on top of the many countywide activities going on throughout the 4-H year. Bookmark it here!

Abi Quinlan, 4-H Educator

abi.quinlan@wisc.edu

Extension Ozaukee County

121 W. Main St.

Port Washington, WI 53074

262-284-8288

To help us serve you, please call for an appointment when coming to the Extension office.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.